Friday, April 29, 2011

Congratulations Wills & Kate


Ah, I remember 30 years ago arising very early in the morning only to be trans-fixed by the glowing television screen for hours watching the nuptials of Prince Charles and his lovely, young bride, Diana. Heck, I was a relatively young bride myself, having only been married since March of that year (to #2). My eyes were barely open at times to watch this event unfold because of the beckoning of slumber, but I did behold a true celebration wedding that was visually stunning.

Their ill-fated relationship I often likened to my own marriage. In that same year I had known my groom for only 6 weeks before we wed, had a child almost a year later to the day, and we similarly grew apart around the same time that the royals' marriage started to crumble. I guess when Diana died, the life I had once known perished, as well. But in my case I was lucky enough to have a metamorphosis in to a new & exciting chapter of my existence. Diana's new love with Dodi, from another country, had just been abruptly cut short by a cruel fate...whereas mine was just beginning to blossom with the one first known to me as 'D.D.', from another country.

I'm very hopeful for the future of this young, vibrant, yet mature couple...the Duke & Duchess. I'm also impressed with how Wills has incorporated the memory of his beloved Mother to be intertwined with what this modern-day couple wanted for their own special day. I'm sure many Brits are also very hopeful that the legacy of the 'people's princess' Diana, will once again grace their country in the personage of her first born. Kate is a beautiful, sweetheart of a lady and I think she really brings out the best in Wills from what I can discern (and he seems to genuinely love her as well)...VIVA L'AMOR!

A toast to their future as man and wife! The most magnificent remembrance I will take away from this historic experience is the pealing of the cathedral bells that once enthralled me for hours when I visited England, myself. Bliss, pure bliss.

An interesting article on the Royal wedding:

http://www.cosmicchronicle.com/2011/04/lifting-veil-on-royal-wedding-nothing.html

©2011 Debbie Ballard

Tuesday, April 05, 2011

Coming to a town near you...

You might want to find out where your local fallout shelters are and keep a bag packed with important stuff for your survival. April 6th is when the jetstream is supposed to carry radioactive particulates over the Western half of N. America...at the speed of a jet, mind you. Some of these chemical particles will dissipate within 8 days, but others have a shelf life that is longer than the lifespan of a human being. These particulates may be carried via rain or snow up to approximately 7500 feet (this time); that's half way up Mt. Rainier. I don't think you can necessarily 'outrun' this threat if it does materialize; it all has to do with 'where the wind will blow.' Mother nature at her best or worst, as the case may be. Of course, it's supposed to rain in the Seattle area on April 6th...lucky, eh? Might be a good idea to stay indoors! Invest in duct tape! Neptune (who just traversed in to Pisces on April 4th) happens to rule poisons. The Japanese Albacore are swimming our way. Great, huh? Pluto? Well, I don't even want to go there, right now. And to think, as a supervisor back in 1981 I was worried about a radioactive isotope spill in the laboratory I was employed in. A simple 'wipe test' indicated I wasn't going to glow in the dark, thank goodness. But, now, 30 years later, I'm not so confident. This spill is just a wee bit larger. It was nice knowing you. http://www.civildefensemuseum.com/shelsupp.html Hey, I wonder if the lady in this picture is included with the shelter supply kit. I have an idea! Just make a radiation suit out of 'Peeps'...they, like cockroaches, can survive anything! http://youtu.be/-Cj3hGpCHYQ

©2011 Debbie Ballard